COURTSHIP AMONG ANIMALS 21 



times the blackcocks are so absorbed that they become 

 almost blind and deaf. . . . Hence bird after bird 

 may be shot on the same spot, or even caught by 

 hand." After performing these antics the males 

 begin to fight among themselves. 



A further step in the process of courtship is taken 

 by the Bower-bird, who prepares a love arena. He 

 builds a special bower with twigs, brightly coloured 

 feathers, blanched bones, and sometimes flowers (Fig. 

 13). He chases the female in and out of this bower, 

 carrying the while in his beak a brightly coloured 

 leaf or feather, as if to tempt her with thoughts of 

 the nest (this is built on the tree above the bower 

 when mating has taken place). Some species have 

 a long run, decorated with shells, which are sometimes 

 brought from a long distance. The Gardener bower- 

 bird erects a hut-like structure of twigs arranged 

 around a central support and gaily decorated. Before 

 the entrance lies a carpet of moss, which is kept clear 

 of all rubbish, such as dead leaves, faded flowers, etc. ; 

 and upon this are laid vividly coloured fruit, seed- 

 pods, and flowers. 



The most remarkable feature of the birds is their 

 wonderful power of song, unequalled in all creation. 

 The greatest compliment that can be given to a 

 human singer is to compare the voice to that of a 

 bird. The music of birds has been the constant 

 delight of man; and poets of every age have sung 

 in praise of the feathered songsters. Who does 

 not know Shelley's poem " To a Skylark " or 

 Keats's " Ode to the Nightingale," or Shakespeare's 

 " Hark, hark, the lark "? Not to mention poems by 

 Wordsworth, Meredith, and others no less famous. 



